Seoul's grandest palace, and the old Seochon neighbourhood beside it.
Gyeongbokgung station sits right at the palace: Gyeongbokgung was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty, founded in 1395, and remains Seoul's top sight.
On the other side of the station is Seochon, a quieter neighbourhood of hanok houses, small galleries and cafés, with Tongin Market's lunchbox food tour.
Which exit to take
- Exit5Gyeongbokgung PalaceEntry is free if you wear hanbok. Closed Tuesdays. The guard changing ceremony is at Gwanghwamun Gate.
- Exit5National Palace MuseumRoyal artefacts inside the palace grounds. Free.
- FollowsignsNational Folk MuseumAlso inside the palace grounds, on the east side.
- Exit2Seochon & Tongin MarketBuy brass coins at Tongin Market and fill a lunchbox from the stalls.
Exit numbers can change during station works. Check the yellow exit boards on the platform before you leave the gates.
Food nearby
Seochon has some of the best small restaurants near the palaces. The famous Tosokchon samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) is here; expect a queue.
Good to know
- Hanbok rental shops cluster around the station.
- Gwanghwamun Square is a 10-minute walk south.
Travel times
| To | Time | How |
|---|---|---|
| Myeongdong | ~15 min | Line 3 towards Anguk, then change at Chungmuro to Line 4 |
| Bukchon & Insadong | ~2 min | Line 3 towards Anguk |
| Seoul Station | ~16 min | Line 3 towards Anguk, then change at Jongno 3(sam)-ga to Line 1 |
| Hongdae | ~25 min | Line 3 towards Anguk, then change at Euljiro 3(sam)-ga to Line 2 |
| Seongsu | ~26 min | Line 3 towards Anguk, then change at Euljiro 3(sam)-ga to Line 2 |
| Gangnam | ~31 min | Line 3 towards Anguk, then change at Sinsa to Sinbundang |
| Jamsil / Lotte World | ~37 min | Line 3 towards Anguk, then change at Euljiro 3(sam)-ga to Line 2 |
Approximate, based on distance between stops plus about seven minutes per change. Add a few minutes for waiting.